Miracles on the pages: how polysensory books change the fate of children with disabilities

      In a world where every child deserves the opportunity to see and understand their surroundings, the A.G. Degen Illustrated Books for Small Blind Children Charitable Foundation has become a true beacon of hope. The foundation recently received well-deserved recognition from the Mayor of Moscow, which underscores the importance of its work in creating an accessible and vibrant world for visually impaired children.

      The award was presented to Tatiana Viktorovna Degen, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation, for her significant contribution to the development of civil society in the capital and her active participation in public life.

      Maria Golovchenko, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Public Relations and Youth Policy Committee, presented a well-deserved award on behalf of the Mayor to NGO employees. In her speech, she noted the importance of the work that non-profit organizations in Moscow do on a daily basis.

      This award is an important recognition of the Foundation's long-term work, which has been developing and giving special tactile books with three-dimensional illustrations, relief elements and sound accompaniment to special children for 30 years.

      

      

      Over the past 15 years, more than 41,000 children across Russia have received such books as gifts with the support of the Moscow Government. According to the All-Russian Society of the Blind (VOS), as of November 2024, about 26 thousand children with visual impairments, including severe forms, were registered in Russia. The Illustrated Books for Small Blind Children Foundation plays a socially significant role in the lives of these children, helping them develop and adapt to society.

      "This award is an important recognition of our work and an incentive for the entire team: artists, designers, authors, printers and organizers. Each such book is a step towards development, socialization and new opportunities for special children," said Tatiana Degen.

      A special place in the history of the Foundation is occupied by the publication "Our Ancient Capital", the first copies of which were presented to special children by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and Patriarch Kirill at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. This initiative highlighted the importance of an inclusive approach and support for children with disabilities.

      The Foundation continues its mission by giving children not just books, but unique tools for learning about the world that help in intellectual development and social adaptation. We are confident that each book opens up new horizons for our young readers and promotes their integration into society.